Accent Coaching
Learn strategies to minimize an accent's interference with your speech and reduce listeners' misunderstandings.
A foreign or regional accent is a characteristic of your speech that is integral to your identity. Your language background is a part of who you are, and should be celebrated. That said, an accent can be frustrating if people don't understand you - and you deserve to be heard!
Accent coaching is much like athletic training. Speech is the result of a complex pattern of muscle movements that we perfect as children. We are all pro athletes in our native languages, but speaking a second language or an unfamiliar dialect of English is a completely different sport. With clear pronunciation instruction, supportive coaching, and dedicated practice, you can sound your best in English!
You may benefit from accent coaching if:
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people often ask you to repeat yourself
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listeners assume you don't speak English well, even though your language skills are advanced in writing and on exams
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you are perceived to be rude or aggressive when that is not your intent
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people have a difficult time understanding you on the phone
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you avoid saying certain words because you are embarrassed of your pronunciation
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your friends and coworkers can't tell when you are being sarcastic or making a joke